Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting the risk of vasovagal reactions after plasma donation

J Clin Apher. 2023 Oct;38(5):622-631. doi: 10.1002/jca.22074. Epub 2023 Jul 19.

Abstract

Background and objectives: Vasovagal reactions (VVRs) are the most common adverse reactions and are frequently associated with serious donor adverse events. Even mild VVRs can lead to a significant reduction in the likelihood of subsequent donations. The purpose of this study is to explore the factors related to the occurrence of VVRs after plasma donation and to construct a nomogram to identify individuals at risk for VVRs to improve the safety of plasma donors.

Materials and methods: We collected the donation data from July 2019 to June 2020 from a plasma center in Sichuan, China, to explore the independent risk factors for vasovagal reactions. From these data, we constructed and validated a predictive model for vasovagal reactions.

Results: VVRs after plasma donation occurred 737 times in 120 448 plasma donations (0.66%). Gender, season, donor status, weight, pulse, duration of donation, and cycle were independent risk factors for VVRs (P< 0.05). The concordance index (C-index) of a logistic model in the derivation cohort was 0.916, with a Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit probability of 0.795. The C-index of a logistic model in the validation cohort was 0.916, with a Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit probability of 0.224. The calibration curve showed that the predicted results were in good agreement with the actual observed results.

Conclusion: This study preliminarily constructed and verified a prediction model for VVRs after plasma donation. The model nomogram is practical and can identify high-risk donors.

Keywords: donor health; nomogram; plasma donation; prediction model; vasovagal reaction.

MeSH terms

  • Blood Donation*
  • Blood Donors
  • Humans
  • Nomograms
  • Risk Factors
  • Syncope, Vasovagal* / epidemiology
  • Syncope, Vasovagal* / etiology